a5c7b9f00b In between drinking cans of Fosters beer, Australian soldiers tread on a few landmines, and generally experience the war in Vietnam. A group of Australian SAS regiment soldiers are deployed to Vietnam around 1967/8 and encounter the realities of war, from the numbing boredom of camp life and long range patrols, raids and ambushes where nothing happens, to the the terror of enduring mortar barrages from an unseen enemy. Men die and are crippled in combat by firefights and booby traps, soldiers kill and capture the enemy, gather intelligence and retake ground only to cede it again whilst battling against the bureaucracy and obstinacy of the conventional military hierarchy. In the end they return to civilization, forever changed by their experiences but glad to return to the life they once knew. A really well constructed Australian film, that accurately portrays the Vietnam 'feeling' in this country. Best describeda sad thought provoking work, with some excellent and funny performances by the skilled cast. A low budget film that 'over achieves' its message. This movie is quite simply outstanding. The writing, acting and general production talent are first rate. If you're looking for non-stop intense war action scenes and high drama, this isn't it, nor what the subject of the movie is about although some of that is there. Ultimately, it is about enduring hardship and perseverance. I saw this movie on cable 35 years ago and it has stuck with me since then. I also watched it a few days ago and found it has much greater insight for me through my own life experiences, now that I myself am a veteran. The dialogue really makes this movie the gem that it is. Funny, satirical, and containing very harsh truths about military service and society in general. All around well done.
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363 weeks ago